Almost four decades after the death of George Washington, a beautiful new marble sarcophagus was donated to replace the deteriorating original. On Oct. 7, 1837, family and friends gathered at the vault on the grounds of Mount Vernon for the installation. During the process, Washington's inner wooden coffin was found in poor condition. Part of the lead lining was pulled back to reveal the head and chest of the Father of Our Country. Here's a description from a private letter in the collection of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon.

"Life on the Civil War Research Trail" is hosted by Ronald S. Coddington, Editor and Publisher of Military Images magazine. Learn more about our mission to showcase, interpret and preserve Civil War portrait photography at militaryimagesmagazine.com and shopmilitaryimages.com.

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Image: Collection of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon.

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